​​Children's Book Illustration​


Findlay's children's book illustration major provides a curriculum focused on skills specific to the field of illustration such as drawing, painting, printmaking, design and typography while also integrating coursework in children's literature.  Students work closely with art faculty and the Mazza Museum staff to gain knowledge of the publishing industry and develop their skills in sequential storytelling.

Program Highlights

Students in the children's book illustration major enjoy access to the Mazza Museum, the most diverse collection of original artwork by children's book illustrators in the world. Students attend annual Mazza conferences, interact with nationally recognized award-winning illustrators, complete internships with the museum, and volunteer with monthly educational events.

The Dudley and Mary Marks Lea Gallery provides opportunities for art management students to participate in the organization, preparation, and installation of shows. The Lea Gallery presents eight to ten exhibitions throughout the year, including works by students, faculty, and regional and national artists.  Students engage with exhibiting artists through gallery talks, classroom demonstrations, and public presentations.

Children's book illustration majors have the opportunity to visit nationally-recognized museums and galleries through study trips abroad, annual art program trips to New York City and Chicago, and class trips to museums such as the Toledo Museum of Art and the Detroit Institute of Art.

In addition to creating a storyboard for a children's book, students will graduate with an impressive portfolio with a strong foundation in:
  • Visual fundamentals
  • Digital Design
  • Drawing
  • History of Art
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
  • Typography
Many of our students are just as creative with their career paths as they are in the studio.  They choose to add a second major in these areas:

Course Information
Curriculum
​​Graduation Requirements


Careers you can explore with a children's book illustration degree include:

  • Children's Book Illustrator
  • Caricaturist/Cartoonist
  • Comic Book Illustrator
  • Concept Artist 
  • Fashion Illustrator 
  • K-12 Art Teacher, Professor, or Private Instructor
  • Medical Illustrator
  • Fine Artist – printmaker, painter, photographer
  • Technical Illustrator

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